SCUC trustees to vote on long-awaited natatorium plan

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City School District board of trustees today will decide whether to partner up with the city of Schertz on the construction of a new community natatorium.

SCUC trustees will vote on a proposed agreement in which the district would pay part of the costs for constructing the $6.62 million natatorium at a 6 p.m. meeting at the district's administrative offices, 1060 Elbel Road, in Schertz.

City and school district officials say the proposed agreement would require the district to contribute $1.65 million toward the construction of the $8.27 million natatorium, which was one of four quality-of-life bond propositions approved by Schertz residents in 2010.

In return, the district will have use of the facility rent free for 15 years. The natatorium/community swimming pool will be built at the city's recreation center at Schertz Parkway and Elbel Road.

SCUC Superintendent Dr. Greg Gibson said the agreement would allow both the Clemens and Steele high school swim teams to utilize the natatorium for practices and competitions.

“We will not have the opportunity again to address the needs of our swim teams to ensure an indoor practice facility that is closer to their homes, for $1.65 million,” Gibson explained.

He added he believed the district is better off partnering with the city in building the natatorium, than trying to do it alone.

“The chances for us asking for a $7 million to $10 million (natatorium) project in the future on our own are slim because our bond dollars are having to be committed to keep up with student growth,” Gibson said.

In May, SCUC voters by a 59-41 percent margin approved a $92 million bond proposition that includes funds for the construction of a new elementary school and renovations and expansions to Dobie Junior High and Steele High School.

Schertz Executive Director Brian James said the district's $1.65 million contribution to the project would go towards upgrades and maintenance and operations costs for the natatorium. James said those upgrades could include additional lanes for the pool, more seating, locker rooms, an electronic scoreboard, time equipment and starting blocks.

Once the school district approves the agreement, James said the city can build a natatorium that better meets the needs of residents.

“By partnering (with the school district), we are able to get a better facility for everybody and it (will be) used more of the time,” he said. “It is a win-win. We got money put in our facility to meet the needs of our community.”

Gibson noted other details such as the times of the day the district's swim teams can utilize the natatorium will be worked out later. “I anticipate if we can get the big issues resolved, the details will fall into place,” the superintendent said.

James said the city is in talks with Schertz Family YMCA, which oversees the recreation center, on the possibility of managing the natatorium and contributing funding to put in a recreational pool for non-competition purposes.